Southern Coasts

December, 2000
Regional Report

Harvesting Rosemary

Cut rosemary branches now to stimulate new growth in a month or so. Strip an inch of the branch clean of needles and wrap three ends together with jute string. Braid or twist the branches together and secure the other end with more string. Freeze them in bags or dry them. Use rosemary braids to line any roasting pan, stockpot, or dresser drawer.

Seeding Ryegrass

It's not too late to plant ryegrass in your yard's bare spots. First, wait for a rainy day to plant. Once the grass is up and growing, fertilize it and begin to mow that section of lawn. Either leave the clippings on the lawn or add them to the compost pile for help heating it up.

Camellia Care

It's showtime for the queen of winter shrubs, just taking center stage in many gardens, Camellia japonica. To plant one successfully, choose a specimen 2 to 3 feet tall. Prepare the soil by mixing compost or organic matter in equal amounts with the new soil. Plant the camellia slightly above the soil line and mulch well with pine straw.

Squirrel Control

Squirrels are a real concern in my yard. They ate every tomato that set in June this year. Their condominium village of nests blocks the sun among the oak trees. Now that the babies are gone, I\'ll slow their expansion by destroying their nests and clearing the garden of their acorn stashes.

Growing Leeks

Growing leeks in a trench is easy, but you need to keep adding leaf mold to the trench as the plants grow. The leaf mold covers the leek stem and keeps it white and tender. Leaf mold also keeps the soil cool so the stems thicken up nicely. Add an organic fertilizer when you plant and keep the bed well watered.